Marrakech, in the heart of Morocco, is the ideal place to visit if you’re looking for an enticing and eclectic destination. The city is packed with cultural attractions, interesting food and has a truly invigorating atmosphere. Marrakech is a brilliant city to explore, either as a standalone city break, on a longer Morocco adventure, or as a winter sun holiday.
Marrakech, known as the Red City, is a lively city that engages all your senses. As the sun comes up over the Koutoubia Mosque and until the lively evening bustle in Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the city offers a true taste of Moroccan life. This guide aims to help first-time visitors get to grips with this busy city, ensuring they have a fulfilling trip packed with memorable moments.
Jemaa el-Fna Square. Photo by TripAdvisor.
Planning Your Trip
When to Visit:
Marrakech’s climate ranges from the cool breezes of spring to the scorching heat of summer. Visiting during March to May or September to November offers pleasant weather, ideal for wandering through the endless maze of souks or enjoying the many outdoor cafes without the oppressive heat. These months also coincide with several cultural festivals, providing a deeper insight into the local traditions and celebrations.
Marrakech is a destination that has become famed for those looking to escape winter and enjoy almost year-round sunshine. Spring (March to May) and early fall (September to November) are the best times of year to visit Marrakech.
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Travel Tip: When planning your trip, it’s a good idea to check if Ramadan falls during your visit. Ramadan, which lasts for a month, is one of the most sacred times of the year for Muslims. This can be a very special time to visit Morocco, but you’ll need to be sensitive to the fact that many people fast (no eating or drinking, even water) during daylight hours, which means that many restaurants will be closed during the day.
Understanding Local Culture:
Marrakech is steeped in history and tradition. As a Muslim-majority city, it is important for visitors to dress conservatively, especially when visiting mosques and religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and women might consider carrying a scarf to cover their heads as a sign of respect. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases not only helps in navigating the city but also shows respect for the local culture, enhancing interactions with the residents who are known for their warm hospitality.
Be mindful of how you dress; Morocco is a conservative, Muslim country. Be sure to ask before taking anyone’s photo.
What to Wear in Marrakech:
Sexual harassment is very common in Marrakech. I highly recommend wearing long skirts or trousers, and tops or shirts with short sleeves. Avoid wearing clothes that expose too much of your arms and legs.
There’s no official dress code. Ideally, you should wear knee-length shorts and skirts (if you’re visiting Marrakech in the hotter months). If you’re woman, there’s no need to wear a headscarf. Although if you’re entering into a religious site, you may need to cover up.
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Example of modest clothing suitable for visiting Marrakech.
Accommodation: Choosing Your Base
Marrakech has a huge wealth of accommodation across the city. From traditional riads to modern hotels, you will definitely find something to match your budget. We stayed between two beautiful riads, both located right by each other at the edge of the medina.
Riads in Marrakech:
Riads are traditional Moroccan houses with an interior garden or courtyard, offering a unique and authentic lodging experience. These accommodations range from the simple and quaint to the luxuriously opulent, often featuring intricate tile work, plush courtyards, and rooftop terraces that offer spectacular views of the city skyline. Many riads are conveniently located within the medina, providing easy access to major sites while offering a quiet, serene place to retreat after a day of exploration.
Many of the traditional types of accommodation in Marrakech are in the form of riads - something I’d highly recommend staying in for an authentic experience. Many riads in Marrakech have pools, either on the ground level or on the rooftop.
When it comes to booking accommodation in Marrakech, you’re spoilt for choice. I recommend choosing a riad which is just a short walk from Djemaa el Fna (the main square), even if it’s pricier than other places.
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Recommended Riads and Hotels:
- La Mamounia ($$$$): For an iconic luxury hotel just outside the Medina. It is a large hotel with beautiful gardens, a full spa, and beautiful pools.
- The Oberoi Marrakech ($$$): For a palatial resort outside the city, featuring a central water feature, sprawling gardens, and a spa.
- Riad 72 ($$): For a jewel-box boutique hotel and beautiful riad in a perfect area of the Medina. Each of the rooms is unique and decorated to highlight traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.
- Riad Yasmine ($$): For a quaint riad in the heart of the Medina, this boutique hotel is well-appointed and incredibly cozy.
Navigating Marrakech
The medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a tightly woven labyrinth of alleyways and bustling markets and is best explored on foot. For destinations outside the medina, such as the Majorelle Garden or the Palmeraie, taxis are readily available. It’s advisable to agree on the fare in advance to avoid any confusion or overcharging. Some taxi drivers may not use meters, so negotiating the fare before starting your journey is crucial.
Marrakech’s medina is a beast. You are absolutely certain to get completely lost, but that’s half the fun. The medina is huge but after a few days, you’ll have the route back to your hotel nailed (maybe..). Top tip: Download your route on Google Maps before you leave, and you’ll be able to use the app without Wifi as you walk around!
In Marrakesh, you have to forget about maps. My tip: If you want to stay inside the Medina you might want to book a riad close to one of the gates. That way, if you get lost, you can easily ask someone about the name of the gate.
The Medina is a walkable labyrinth, full of narrow alleyways that are only accessible via foot, motorbike, or the occasional donkey-drawn cart. Wear comfortable shoes!
Map of Marrakech Medina.
Must-Visit Places
Jemaa el-Fna Square:
During the day, this large square at the heart of the medina serves as a market place where you can find fruit stalls, snake charmers, and wandering musicians. As the sun sets, the square transforms into a buzzing hub of activity, with storytellers, magicians, and rows of food stalls filling the air with delicious smells. Sampling street food here, such as grilled meats and traditional pastries, is a must.
This square is the beating heart of Marrakech. But to be honest, the Jemaa el-Fna Square was certainly not my favourite area of Marrakech. The atmospheric square is home to snake charmers, working donkeys, scammers, musicians, artists - and anyone who can make a quick buck from a tourist.
Jamaa el Fna is the main square in Marrakesh and it’s absolutely crazy. They might put snakes, monkeys, and everything else they can find, on your shoulders. But don’t let this discourage you from enjoying the square. I absolutely loved the food stalls there and would surely recommend them to any visitor.
Marrakech’s Medina:
The medina is not just the historical heart of the city; it’s the cultural and social centre where life has pulsed for centuries. Within its red walls, you’ll discover a world of commerce in the bustling souks, selling everything from spices and textiles to artisanal crafts. Key historical sites such as the Bahia Palace and the Ben Youssef Madrasa offer glimpses into Marrakech’s rich past.
Other Notable Places:
- Le Jardin Marjorelle: Beat the crowds and head to Le Jardin Marjorelle early. This exquisite garden is like nowhere else, and together with the Musée Yves Saint Laurent, it’s the perfect respite from the medina.
- Medersa Ben Youssef: Another example of incredible architecture in Marrakech, Medersa Ben Youssef is an Islamic place of education founded in the 14th Century. As with many of Morocco’s mosques and medersas, it has been beautifully maintained and cannot be missed on any trip to Marrakech. You can easily spend an hour or two exploring the building, with its upper and lower terraces and central fountain.
- Bahia Palace: Stained glass details, a sprawling central courtyard constructed of Italian marble, and masterful plasterwork sound like Italian Renaissance art, but at Bahia Palace, they are distinctly and unquestionably Moroccan. This 19th-century stunner was once home to the Royal Vizier Bou Ahmed, his four wives, and his harem.
Eating Out: Restaurants, Cafes, and Street Food
Marrakech’s culinary scene is a rich tapestry that blends traditional Moroccan flavours with international influences. For those looking to indulge in local cuisine, the Dar Yacout in the medina offers not just a meal but an experience, with its grand courtyard and traditional Moroccan dishes like pastilla and lamb tagine. Le Fondouk is another medina gem where the rooftop seating offers panoramic views to enjoy alongside your meal.
For a taste of luxury, La Mamounia’s restaurants serve up exquisite Moroccan, French, and Italian dishes in an opulent setting. The hotel’s gardens are also a peaceful spot for afternoon tea. For the best of Marrakech street food, nothing beats the stalls in Jemaa el-Fnaa. Here, Café des Épices provides a perfect retreat with its rooftop terrace to watch the hustle of the square with a coffee or a fresh mint tea in hand.
Nomad is a modern Moroccan restaurant with a contemporary spin on local dishes, perfect for diners looking for a fresh take on traditional flavours. Its terrace offers views over the spice square, making it a prime spot for both lunch and dinner. Le Jardin is nestled in a restored riad and provides a green oasis in the heart of the medina, offering a tranquil dining experience.
Vegetarians and vegans can head to Earth Café, the first of its kind in Marrakech, which serves up a range of healthy dishes sourced from local produce. Lastly, for those with a sweet tooth, Pâtisserie Amandine Marrakech offers the finest Moroccan pastries and French confections that are a delight to savour.
Your dining experience in Marrakech can’t get more exciting than this, although choosing a food stall can be a bit stressful. Persistent waiters will approach you from every direction, flashing glossy menus at you. Ignore the attractive tourist menus and go for a local delicacy. Your best bet is to sit down at a stall that’s teeming with locals.
Recommended Restaurants and Cafes:
- Le Marocain (inside La Mamounia): For a fine dining experience, with a prefixed menu that explores regional cuisine. It is a splurge meal but completely worth it!
- Comptoir Darna: For a loud, dimly lit den of delicious food, lively music, and dance. This is fun for people watching, with no pressure to join in, and no judgment if you do! The Moroccan music and belly dance are fun to watch while enjoying inventive takes on traditional Moroccan food.
- El Fenn Riad: For one of the best rooftop restaurants in town.
- High Tea at Royal Mansour: Come for afternoon tea, which includes a variety of pastries and teas.
Shopping: Marrakech Souks
The souks are the commercial hub of the medina, offering a seemingly endless array of goods. Each souk specialises in a particular craft: carpets in one, spices and teas in another, and intricate lanterns and metalwork in another. Bargaining is part of the shopping experience; starting your offer at about half the asking price is a good rule of thumb.
Hours can be spent wandering the tiny laneways of the medina.
The medina of Marrakech is a bustling maze of market stalls, artisan workshops and old palaces. Marrakech is also home to the largest Berber market in Morocco. Here, you can find almost everything; traditional jewellery, antiques, kaftans, colourful slippers, pottery and many other beautiful things that will have you returning to your riad with empty pockets.
A bustling scene in the souks of Marrakech.
Safety Tips
While Marrakech is generally safe for tourists, solo travellers, and particularly women, should exercise caution. Stay alert in crowded areas where pickpocketing can occur. It’s best to carry minimal cash and use a secure bag. Solo female travellers should consider dressing conservatively to blend in and avoid unwanted attention. Be cautious of locals offering unsolicited help or tours, as they may ask for hefty tips or take you to shops where they get commissions. Always plan your route beforehand, and it’s advisable to have a reliable contact or app to use in case you need assistance.
You’ll want to keep a close eye on your bag at all times, and put your valuables in a very safe place. If you are concerned about your safety, try to steer clear of crowds and dodgy back streets. I’d personally recommend traveling with a friend here to enjoy fully, and walking solo at night is not advised.
Pickpockets run rampant in heavily visited areas like Jemaa El Fna. Carry any valuable items in zippered bags under your arm or in your front pockets.
If someone comes up to you and offers to “help” you navigate the souk, you will need to give a few dirhams if you accept.
Day Trips from Marrakech:
Marrakech is an ideal starting point for various day trips due to Morocco’s diverse landscapes.
- Atlas Mountains: A short drive away, offering treks and Berber village visits.
- Essaouira: A UNESCO-listed seaside town known for its relaxed vibe and beach.
- Ouzoud Waterfalls: Spectacular waterfalls set in lush valleys, home to Barbary macaques.
- Ait Ben Haddou & Kasbah Telouet: Iconic mud-brick ksar and historic kasbah revealing Moroccan architecture.
- Lake Takerkoust & Asni Valley: Peaceful lake and valley showcasing rural Berber life and mountain views.
- Ourika Valley: Green valley with traditional homes and refreshing waterfalls close to the Atlas Mountains.
These expeditions provide a taste of Morocco’s varied terrains, from serene lakes to ancient architecture and bustling beaches.
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO | 10 BEST Things To Do In & Around Marrakech
Practical Information
The Moroccan Dirham is the only currency officially accepted for transactions. While major credit cards are accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants, cash is still king in the souks and smaller eateries. Arabic is the official language, with French widely understood. Berber languages are spoken primarily in rural areas, though English is increasingly common among the younger population and in tourist areas.
The Moroccan dirham is Morocco's official currency. One dirham is equal to $0.11. Euros (1 euro equals approximately $1.22) are also accepted by some vendors in Marrakech, but exchange rates are generally more favorable when using dirhams. Most shopkeepers and restaurants do not accept credit cards.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but Arabic and French are Morocco’s main languages. Morocco only gained independence from France in 1956. I recommend opting for an eSIM with Holafly, which has become my go-to international mobile data solution.
There is no standard tipping policy in Morocco, but it is generally best to leave at least 10 percent of your restaurant bill when you receive great service. Some eateries in areas frequented by tourists will automatically add a tip to your bill, so be sure to check before tipping. For taxi services, round up to the nearest 5 dirhams.
When visiting a hammam, it's customary to leave 20 to 25 dirhams (or $2 to $3) per attendant. And at hotels, expect to give 10 to 20 dirhams ($1 to $2) to bellhops and 20 dirhams (about $2) per day or 100 dirhams (less than $11) per week to housekeepers. Professional tour guides are paid well, so tipping for their services is not expected.
Sample Itinerary: Three Days in Marrakech
I think three full days in the Medina, followed by a night or two in the surrounding areas of Marrakech, would be ideal.
Day 1: Explore the Medina, visit Jemaa el-Fna, and enjoy street food.
Day 2: Visit Jardin Majorelle, Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and relax in a traditional hammam.
Day 3: Take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains or Essaouira.
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